Nailing your draft is the key to dominating your fantasy team, and
in a 12-team redraft league, every pick counts -- especially
in the later rounds. While the big names grab headlines early, savvy
vets know Rounds 11-18 are where you steal wins. After locking in
your starters, hunt for late-round gems with high upside, even if
they come with some risk. Here are five sleeper picks to target
after Round 10, based on their ADP in 12-team half-PPR leagues.
These guys carry some gamble, but their ceilings could elevate your
squad. Happy drafting!
Kirk might seem like a grizzled vet after stints with three NFL
teams, but at 28, he's likely still in his prime. Injuries sidelined
him the past two seasons, dropping him off the radar, yet he's
just two years removed from an 84/1,108/8 line in 2022. Now with
the Texans, he's flying under the radar in a sneaky-good spot.
Why? This offense favors quick, short-to-mid-range passes, driven
by C.J. Stroud's precision, a shaky offensive line that struggles
to open run lanes, and a lack of explosive running back talent -- has
anyone seen Joe Mixon lately? Kirk thrives in that range and should
soak up targets, especially with Nico Collins and rookie Jayden
Higgins stretching defenses deep. Touchdowns might be scarce,
but his 6-8 catch potential per game gives him a solid half-PPR
floor, with upside for big games in shootouts. As a WR4/5 in a
12-team league, he's a steal post-Round 10. Stay healthy, and
a WR3 season is in play.
I've been a Mims fan since he hit the league -- his
explosive playmaking is undeniable, even if his usage has been
maddening. Last year, he posted a modest 39/503/6 over 17 games,
but the second half (Week 8 on) told the story: all six TDs, 4
catches, and 56 yards per game, plus 12 carries. That late surge,
paired with Bo Nix's stability at QB and Denver's
top-tier O-line, sets him up for a leap in Year 3. Courtland Sutton's
the WR1, but at 30, he's not a volume hog, and rookie Pat
Bryant and Troy Franklin trail Mims, who should start as WR2 now
that Devaughn Vele has been shipped to New Orleans. In half-PPR,
his deep-threat potential (5-7 catches, big-play upside) makes
him a boom-or-bust gem. After Round 11, he's my favorite
lottery ticket -- perfect for a 12-team flex or WR3 if the
opportunity clicks.
Tight end is always a fantasy puzzle. You can splurge early on
studs like Bowers or Kittle, roll the dice mid-round on Pitts
or Kincaid, or grab a late-round flier like Strange, who I rate
higher than several TEs taken ahead of him. Entering Year 3 -- a
breakout window for TEs -- he flashed promise last season,
peaking with an 11-catch, 12-target game in Week 15. An athletic
blocker with red-zone size, Strange can play all three downs under
new HC Liam Coen, whose pass-happy Jaguars (think Bucs'
5th-most passes in 2024) should elevate the offense. With Brian
Thomas Jr. and rookie Travis Hunter drawing coverage, Strange's
4-6 catch upside in half-PPR shines. As the TE20 (Round 13), he's
a value play for a top-10-14 finish -- ideal for 12-team leagues
where you can prioritize RBs/WRs early.
Before the draft, I had Croskey-Merritt (JCM) as a top-8 RB prospect,
so his 7th-round slide to Washington shocked me. In a 12-team
league, his Round 15 ADP undervalues his potential. Brian Robinson
Jr. is a plodding RB1 who the Commanders are looking to get rid
of, and Austin Ekeler, now 30 with injury woes, is fading. JCM
brings burst and elusiveness -- traits missing in Washington's
backfield -- pairing nicely with Jayden Daniels' playmaking.
Preseason buzz and 32 yards on 8 touches (plus a wiped 16-yard
catch) signal a role. In half-PPR, his 3-5 catch upside as a change-of-pace
back could shine. He might not receive the playing time out of
the gate that his recent hype is suggesting, but at this stage,
I'll take his volatility over a mediocre handcuff or kicker.
He is this year's best late-round gamble at the RB position.
Coker’s the deepest sleeper here, going in Round 18 -- practically
free in 12-team leagues. His 2024 rollercoaster (15/215/1 over
four late-season games) hints at upside with Bryce Young’s
resurgence in Dave Canales’ system. Athletically average,
Coker’s elite hands and timing stand out, helping him to
outplay Xavier Legette last year. Despite being buried behind
Tet McMillan, Adam Thielen (34), and Legette to begin 2025, Coker
could easily overtake the aging Thielen and play a complementary
WR3 role, exploiting weaker coverages. In half-PPR, his 4-6 catch
potential could be a nice bench asset If Carolina’s offense
takes a leap forward -- likely with Young’s growth. Coker’s
a no-risk, high-reward flex. Snag him late or off waivers; he’s
the easiest value bet on this list.
